 It's extremely cold this week and there's a Level 3 cold weather alert for the West Midlands.
During cold weather, people with certain medical conditions and some older people can become more vulnerable. It is important to look after yourselves and to look out for others.
We have lots of help and advice on our website about:
Get help and advice on our Supporting Sandwell webpages.
Warm Spaces are a safe place where you can keep warm, chat, have a hot drink and charge your devices.
And the Warm Spaces in our libraries always have something going on. You can take out a book, use the computers, get involved in activities and join some of the groups that meet there.
You can also have a chat with staff about the support services available, get advice and information about benefits and bills and how to access community support to combat isolation.
Hear how our Warm Spaces are Supporting Sandwell.
Cold weather impact on bin collections
During snowy or icy conditions bin crews may not be able to get to your property to empty your bins safely.
This may result in bin collections being delayed until conditions improve.
If your bins are not emptied on your usual day, check online for the most up-to-date information about your bin collections.
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Football matches on council pitches are cancelled this weekend due to the weather
 No footie this weekend (Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December) on the following pitches:
- Barnford Park
- Cakemore playing fields
- Charlemont playing fields
- Churchfields playing fields
- Farley Park
- Hydes Road playing fields
- Jubilee Park
- Lion Farm playing fields
- Londonderry playing fields
- Red House Park
- West Smethwick Park
- Charlemont playing fields
- Jesson playing fields
Not all football is cancelled though. Good luck to the Three Lions in their World Cup knock-out game against France tomorrow (Saturday) night. Come on England!
Planning your Christmas night out or New Year celebrations?
 If you ever feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened, you can ask for help from staff by asking for ‘Angela’. This code word indicates that you need help and a trained member of staff will get you out of the situation without fuss.
There are lots of simple ways you can have fun and stay safe:
- Never leave drinks unattended
- Stick together with your mates
- Keep hydrated with water
- Only use black cabs or pre-booked private hire taxis
- Look out for people and report any suspicious behaviour to staff or police.
More information on staying safe, spiking, drug advice, alcohol safety and safe spaces.
Are you a council tenant and worried about paying your rent?
 There's lots of support available, including advice on setting up a Direct Debit which can help you with budgeting.
Our rents team can also talk you through:
- Money and budgeting tips
- Extra help with your rent
- Mental health support
- Getting digital
- Employment support
- Language support
- Benefits advice
For help with paying your rent, give our friendly team a call on 0121 737 5148.
Sign up online to pay your rent by Direct Debit.
A West Bromwich author has published his first book – a tale of what happened when Santa decided to retire!
 Paul Rogers, who works at Shireland Hall Primary School in Smethwick, has written A Christmas Without Santa.
Paul’s book tells the story of Santa disappearing – because he’s upset he didn’t receive any thank you letters last Christmas.
You can meet Paul and hear him reading his book at Central Library in West Brom on Saturday 17 December from 11am to 2pm. Plus, get in the Christmas spirit with some free crafts and fun activities and ask Paul a question about his book.
Congratulations Paul!
Find out more about Paul's book on our Celebrate Sandwell website.
 The magic of Christmas is coming to Haden Hill Park tomorrow (Saturday 10 December) with a jam-packed programme of entertainment from 5pm-9pm.
- Illuminated house with special effects
- Live music
- Fair rides
- Entertainers
- Festive food and drink
- Christmas stalls
Book your ticket online or you can pay on the day.
Admission costs £5 for adults (12+) and it's free for anyone 12 and under.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone at any time
 Help is available for everyone, including specialist support for the LGBTQ+ community. Some people struggle with coming out and being in an abusive relationship means they can be less likely to seek help or support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or not, contact Black Country Women's Aid for help and support.
More advice on support available for people experiencing domestic abuse.
 Sign up today for your free food waste collection in time for Christmas.
   From vegetable peelings to meat bones or any leftovers, you can put all of your food waste in your brown bin.
Your bin will be collected every week - register for collections online. (If you are already using your brown bin, you do not need to sign up).
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